JPS61211526A - Method of assembling spline type combining section - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] do.

The present invention is particularly applicable to the assembly of fixed and rotary clutches in automobile automatic transmissions.

Automotive automatic transmissions typically include rotating, fixed clutches. The annular clutch plates of the friction clutch pack between concentric cylindrical walls that are rotatable relative to each other are alternately splined to the radially outer cylindrical wall at the outer diameter and to the radially inner cylindrical wall at the inner diameter. The clutch pack is splined to the cylindrical walls of the clutch pack so that the inner and outer cylindrical walls are rigidly interconnected when compressed by the clutch piston incorporating the clutch pack. When assembling a latch like this (whether during manufacture, disassembly, or after repair), all the clutch plates of the clutch pack are first assembled individually onto the clutch member constituting either the inner or outer concentric wall. Next, the other clutch member constituting the other wall is assembled into the clutch pack.

Regarding the initial stage of assembling the individual clutch plates on one of the inner and outer walls, the clutch plates splined thereto are positioned at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the i wall;
It must be angularly aligned with the spline grooves in the wall and then advanced along these grooves. However, because it is not easy to position and hold the clutch plate relative to the axis of the appropriate one of the inner and outer walls, it is difficult to assemble it with the efficiency required for mass production.

In the case of the next step of incorporating the clutch member that constitutes the other of the inner and outer walls, the spline teeth that mesh with the other clutch member are not angularly aligned with each other, nor are they axially aligned. The difficulty is further compounded by the fact that the clutch member is not fully loaded and is usually covered or hidden by the sagging clutch member. Therefore, the assembly port may shake or jiggle the components as they gradually assemble the clutch members forming the other concentric wall around or into the clutch pack, which also reduces efficiency. Not suitable for mass production.

Suggestions have also been made to simplify the second step, which involves pre-aligning the clutch plates using assembly fixtures, then removing the fixtures and tightening the clutch plates while replacing them with latch components as appropriate. ing. This proposal is, for example, US-A-4, 2 3 1, 1 4 7
Disclosed in the issue.

However, such a proposal is not attractive because it requires extra steps and requires considerable skill at the assembly stage. 1.

The present invention automatically positions a splined member and a splined member in a stage position or relationship;
A method of assembling a spline joint in which only relative rotation is required to align the teeth and grooves to complete the assembly operation.

To this end, the method for assembling a spline connection according to the invention is characterized by the features set out in the characterizing part of claim 1.

Thus, the present invention provides a new and improved method of incorporating a relatively flat splined member, such as a clutch plate, onto a relatively elongated splined member such as a clutch drum, clutch hub, or transmission housing. .

The present invention also provides for automatic assembly by robots of clutch-like devices having packs of annular plates splined to concentric inner and outer cylindrical walls without the need for complex and expensive mechanical vision. A new and improved method is provided.

In accordance with an important feature of the invention, the new and improved method includes a centering guide or concentric chamfer on the elongate member that is flush with the stage location on the stage annulus on the elongate member. an elongated member, the flat member being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated member and concentric with its splined groove walls, aligning the spline teeth of the flat member with the spline grooves; All that is required is an angular rotation of the flat member to advance it relative to the member.

In another embodiment of the new and improved method according to the invention:
Inner and outer centering guides are adapted to guide the flat member into the stage position.

In another new and improved embodiment of the present invention, an outer centering guide is provided at the end of the splined shaft so that the hub having the splined hole on the inside can be attached to the shaft. The hub is guided to a stage position on the upper stage ring, and from there, simply rotating the hub at an angle about the axis brings the inner and outer spline grooves into alignment and advances the hub along the axis.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described by way of examples with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 schematically depicts an assembly method according to the invention, in which a relatively flat member 10 (hereinafter referred to as plate 10) is assembled into a relatively elongated member 12 (hereinafter referred to as a hub). 12) incorporated above. The plate 10 has a lower surface 14, a peripheral edge 16 of any convenient shape, and a circular opening or hole 18 bounded by a circular edge 20 of the plate. The circular edge 20 has an imaginary center 22 in the plane of the plate and has a diameter D1
has.

A pair of internal spline teeth 24 , 26 are circumferentially angularly spaced and symmetrical and project radially inwardly from the circular edge 20 .

These spline teeth are representative of any number of spline teeth that are to be placed along the circular edge. The spline teeth 24,26 project radially inward to an imaginary circle 28 of diameter D2 concentric with the circular edge 20. the result,
The spline teeth 24.26 have a radial depth of diameter D+, D
It is located within a virtual ring 30 that is equal to half the difference of 2.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, hub 12 has longitudinal axis 32.
and about this axis is formed an outer cylindrical wall 34 having a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the opening 18 in the plate 10. stage ring 36
is constituted by a shoulder 37 formed at the end of the hub 12 in a plane perpendicular to the axis 32, forming an outer diameter which coincides with the edge of the outer cylindrical wall 34. The inner diameter is approximately equal to D0 and the diameter D2 of the virtual circle 28.

is bounded by Therefore, the stage ring 36
is dimensionally coincident with the virtual ring body 30. hub 12
A pair of exemplary spline grooves 38.40 in the outer cylindrical wall 34 of the stage annulus 36 and its pair of notches 42.44 have a cross-sectional shape that matches the shape of the spline teeth 24.26. Intersecting 0 notches 42,44 are angularly spaced around stage annulus 36 and coincide with spline teeth 24,26. The hub 12 is formed with an outer centering guide (concentric chamfer) 46, which is centered on the axis 32 and aligned with an outer circular edge 50 that coincides with the inner diameter of the stage ring. a longitudinally outer inner circular edge 52 and a frusto-conical shoulder 48 bounded by K;
It has the shape of The diameter of the inner circular edge 52 is smaller than the diameter D2 of the virtual circle 28.

The assembly method according to the invention allows the plate 10 to be attached to the hub 10 irrespective of the thinness of the plate, the circular edge 20, the outer wall 34 and the smallness of the gaps between the spline teeth 24, 26 and the spline grooves 38, 40.
2, or vice versa. More particularly, in a preferred assembly sequence, hub 12 is held fixed by fixtures (not shown) and plate 10 is placed over the hub with aperture 18 centered on axis 32. Next, attach the plate to the hub 12
the stage position (not shown). In this position, the centering guide 46 projects through the opening and the spline teeth 24,26 rest on or abut the stage body 36. While the plate is being moved to the stage position, the centering guide 46 acts as a reaction member;
The plate 10 is moved axially forward and simultaneously translated in a plane perpendicular to the axis 32. Thus, in the stage position, the circular edge 20 of the plate is fairly precisely concentric with the outer cylindrical wall 34 of the hub. In addition, the plane of the stage ring 36 is perpendicular to the axis 32, and the spline teeth 24
．． Because the plates 26 are symmetrically disposed about the edge 20, the plate 10 automatically assumes a stable position on the stage ring perpendicular to the axis 32. Next, spline tooth 24.26
Assembly is completed by simply rotating the plate 10 about the axis 32 until the notches 42, 44 coincide with the notches 42,44. On this occasion,
The plate is advanced over the hub as the spline teeth move in the spline grooves 38,40.

Although only two spline teeth and two spline grooves are shown, this number is arbitrary.

Similarly, although the plate 10 is advanced, translated, and rotated relative to the hub 12 in the assembly sequence described above, these functional roles may be reversed in whole or in part.

FIG. 2 shows a variant of the general embodiment of the assembly method according to the invention, in which features corresponding to those of the general embodiment shown in FIG. This is an indication. In FIG. 2, plate 10' extends an outer circular edge 20' of diameter D1' centered at center point 22'. A pair of outer spline teeth 2 in the plane of plate 10'
4', 26' project radially outwardly from the circular edge 20' to a concentric imaginary circle 28' having a diameter D2' and are angularly spaced and symmetrical in the circumferential direction.

Therefore, the spline teeth 24', 26' have a radial depth equal to half the difference between the diameters D1', D2' of the virtual annulus 3.
Located within 0'.

Still referring to FIG. 2, a housing 12', corresponding to the hub 12 of FIG. 1, has a longitudinal axis 32' about which an inner cylindrical wall 34' is formed. Axis line 3
In a transverse section perpendicular to 2', the cylindrical wall 34' constitutes a circle with a diameter D, / approximately equal to the diameter D, /. In a plane perpendicular to the axis 32', a shoulder 37' forms a stage ring 36' on the housing 12', which stage ring has an inner diameter Dl' and a diameter that coincide with the edge of the inner cylindrical wall 34'. The outer diameter is approximately equal to D2'. ’ is bounded by.

Therefore, stage ring 36' is dimensionally equal to virtual ring 30'. The inner cylindrical wall 34' is provided with a pair of spline grooves 38', 40', which have a cross-section equal to the shape of the spline teeth 24', 26'. A pair of notches 42, each angularly spaced so as to coincide with the stage ring 36', intersects the stage ring 36' at 1.44'. An inner centering guide (concentric chamfer) 46' on the housing 12', corresponding to the centering guide 46 of the hub 12, is defined by an inner frusto-conical shoulder 48' centered on the axis 32'. . The inner centering guide is the outer diameter of the stage ring 36'. an inner circular edge 50' coinciding with the outer circular edge 50' and an outer circular edge 52' located longitudinally outwardly of the temporary annulus. The diameter of the outer circular edge 52' is greater than the diameter D2' of the imaginary circle 28' around the plate 10.

In a preferred assembly sequence of this variant, the housing 12' is held fixed by a fixture (not shown) K, and the plate 1
0' is centered above the housing on axis 32'.

The plate is then advanced within centering guide 46' relative to housing 12' to a stage position (not shown). In this position, the spline teeth 24', 26' are connected to the stage ring 3.
It rests on or collides with 6'. During advancement of the plate to the temporary position, the centering guide 46' acts as a reaction member and translates the plate 10' at right angles to the axis 32' so that in the stage position the circular edge 20' of the plate is aligned with the housing. fairly precisely concentric with the inner cylindrical wall 34' of the.

Furthermore, since the plane of the stage ring is perpendicular to the axis 32' and the spline teeth 24', 26' are symmetrically located about the circular edge 20', the plate 1
0' automatically assumes a stable position on the stage ring perpendicular to axis 32'. Next, the spline teeth 24', 26
Assembly is completed by simply rotating plate 10' about axis 32 until ' is aligned with notches 42', 44'. At this time, plate 10' is advanced into the housing as the spline teeth move through spline grooves 38', 40'.

Again, the number of spline teeth and grooves may be greater, and the functional roles of the housing and plate in this assembly sequence may be partially or completely reversed.

Referring to FIG. 3, a particular application of the assembly method according to the present invention is shown, in which a partially illustrated automatic transmission 54 for a motor vehicle has a generally cylindrical case 56 having a longitudinal axis 58.
includes. Additionally, the automatic transmission includes a generally cylindrical torque converter housing 60 that is bolted to the left (front) end of case 56 and that also includes a front support and valve within case 56. Assembly 62 is bolted together. A stator shaft 64 extends along axis 58 from front support and valve assembly 62 to a torque converter (not shown) within the torque converter housing.
It protrudes forward inward. A turbine shaft 66 drivingly connected to the torque converter turbine extends along axis 58 and is rotatably supported within stator shaft 64 on bearings 68 . The inner end TO of the turbine shaft is provided with a plurality of spline grooves 72 that extend inwardly beyond the end of the stator shaft.

The generally disc-shaped central support 74 of the transmission is connected to the case 56.
It is fixed at ℃, which constitutes a partition wall. Central support boss 76 extends along axis 58 and
A sleeve shaft 78 is supported rotatably around B.

The front end 79 of this sleeve shaft is provided with a plurality of spline grooves 80 in an outer cylindrical wall 81 extending forward of the boss T6. A solid main shaft 82 is rotatably supported within the sleeve shaft 78 by a bearing 84 about the axis 5B.

The front end 85 of the main shaft has a plurality of spline grooves 86 in its outer cylindrical wall 8T extending beyond the end of the sleeve shaft. The shaft 18.82 is drivingly connected behind the stop support 74 to a conventional planetary gear set and is capable of determining various drive ratios.

As best seen in Figure 3.4, a pair of rotating clutches 88, 90 and a non-rotating clutch (friction brake) 9
2 from the turbine shaft 66 to the sleeve shaft 88 and the main shaft 82
control the flow of power to the Rotary clutch 88 includes a drum 94 that is press fit into spline groove 72 at the end of turbine shaft 66 . Therefore, the drum can rotate together with the rotary clutch 88. A power take-off gear 96 is drivingly connected to drum 94 and an annular piston 98 is slidably supported therein. Clutch 88 further includes a hub 100 whose central hole defines an inner cylindrical wall 102 . This inner cylindrical wall 102
A plurality of spline grooves 104 that can be slidably engaged with the spline groove 86 of the main shaft 82 are formed inside. Hub 100 has an outer cylindrical wall 106, which is connected to drum 94.
is located concentrically within and concentrically with the inner cylindrical wall 108 of.

Disposed between the inner and outer walls 108, 106 is a clutch pack 110 including a plurality of alternating friction material lined inner annular plates 112 and unlined outer annular plates 114, which are compressed by piston 9B. be done. As a result, turbine shaft 66 is selectively drivingly connected to main shaft 82 .

Similarly, rotary clutch 90 includes a drum 116 having a central hole defining an inner cylindrical wall 118. Within this inner cylindrical wall 118 are a plurality of spline grooves 120 that can be slidably engaged with the spline grooves 80 of the sleeve shaft T8.
is formed. An inner cylindrical wall 122 of the drum 116 coextends an outer cylindrical wall 124 of the hub 126 of the clutch 90. This hub 126 is drivingly connected to the drum 94 of the clutch 88. Disposed between the inner and outer cylindrical walls 122, 124 is a clutch pack 128, which includes a plurality of alternating friction material-lined inner annular plates 130 and unlined outer annular plates 132.
16 , thereby selectively drivingly coupling turbine shaft 66 to sleeve shaft 78 .

A non-rotating (fixed) clutch 92 is disposed between the drum 116 of the rotating clutch 90 and the transmission case 56 and includes an inner cylindrical wall 136 formed on the transmission case 56 and a concentric outer cylindrical wall 136 formed on the drum 116. cylindrical wall 138. A plurality of alternately spaced friction material lined inner annular plates 1
42) A clutch pack 140 including an unlined outer annular plate 144 is disposed between the inner and outer cylindrical walls 136, 138, which connects the annular piston 14 on the central support 14.
6, and the drum 116 and sleeve shaft 78 are selectively braked.

In the assembly sequence of the entire transmission, the central support T4 and the subsequent planetary gears are attached to the transmission case 56 and the clutch 88.
．． Place it in front of 90.92. Next, while fixing the case 56 with its axis 58 oriented vertically, the clutch pack 140 of the fixed clutch 92 and the clutch pack 12
The subassembly consisting of the drum 116 with the turbine shaft 8 installed, the turbine shaft 66 and the clutch pack 110, and the drum 94 with the hub 100, 126 is installed in this order. Finally, the front support and valve assembly 62 and torque converter housing 60 are mounted at the upper (front) end K of the case 56 to close it off.

The assembly of the clutch packs 110, 128, 140 into the drum 94, 116 and the case 56 is substantially the same as in the variant shown in FIG. More specifically, and with reference to FIG. 4.5, which representatively details only the assembly of the clutch pack 1400 into the case 56, each of the outer clutch plates 144 has an outer circular edge 147. A plurality of spline teeth 148 symmetrically arranged around the circular edge 147 project radially outwardly to an imaginary circle 150 . Therefore, the spline tooth 14
B is located within the virtual ring 151 corresponding to half the difference in diameter between the edge 147 and the circle 150. A shoulder 152 on the case 56 in a plane perpendicular to the axis 58 defines a stage annulus 153 bounded by an inner diameter 154 and an outer diameter 155 coinciding with the inner cylindrical wall 136 of the case. The difference between the inner and outer diameters of the stage ring is equal to the difference in diameter between the circular edge 147 and the circle 150 of the plate 144, so that the stage ring 15
3 is dimensionally equal to the virtual ring body 151.

The case 56 further includes a plurality of spline grooves 156 provided in the inner wall 136, the cross-sectional shape of which corresponds to the shape of the spline teeth 148 of the plate 144, and the stage at the plurality of notches 15γ. Ring body 1
Intersects with 53. frustoconical shoulder 1 provided on case 56
58 constitutes an inner centering guide (concentric chamfered part) 159, which includes an inner circular edge that coincides with the outer diameter 155 of the stage ring 153 and an outer circular edge that connects the shoulder with the inner wall surface 160 of the case. and has.

The diameter of the outer circular edge of the concentric chamfer is the outer clutch plate 144.
The diameter of the virtual circle 150 is exceeded. With the central support 74 and axle 78.82 seated on the case 56 and the case secured with the front end of the case facing up and the axis 58 vertical, assembly of the clutch pack 140 proceeds as follows. It will be done. The innermost one in the longitudinal direction of the outer clutch plate 144 is aligned with the axis 58, lowered toward the inner wall surface 1601C of the case, and placed in a temporary position on the temporary ring body 153. Here, this clutch plate has spline teeth 14
8 and the notch 157 do not coincide with each other.K causes it to temporarily stand still due to its own weight. In this stage position, the clutch plate 144 is perpendicular to the axis 58 and its circular edge 147 is fairly precisely concentric with the inner cylindrical wall 136 of the case. Next, the clutch plate is rotated on the stage ring 153 about the axis 5B, so that the spline teeth 148 are aligned with the notches 157. At this time, the clutch plate moves down along the inner wall 136, the spline teeth drive the spline groove, and finally the clutch plate abuts the piston 146 on the central support. Next, adjacent inner clutch plates 142 are placed on outer clutch plates 144. It is thereby maintained in a plane perpendicular to axis 58 but free for translational and rotational movement within inner wall 136. This operation includes all of the inner and outer clutch plates 142, 144 of the clutch pack and the backing plate 1 similar to the outer clutch plate 144.
62 is assembled on the case and retaining ring 164 (third
(Figure) until it is held there.

For reference, when assembling the clutch pack 110.12B, a pair of inner alignment guides (concentric chamfers) 166, 168 on the drums 94, 116 and a pair of temporary rings 1
70 , 172 operate in the same manner as described above with respect to centering guide 159 on case 56 and stage ring 153 .

The next step in the construction of the transmission, ie the assembly of drum 116 onto clutch pack 140 and sleeve shaft 78, represents two further applications of the assembly method according to the invention.

In particular, the assembly of the drum 116 into the clutch pack 140 of the hub 100, 126
8 and corresponds to the general embodiment shown in FIG. The assembly of the drum 116 onto the sleeve shaft 18 is substantially the same as the assembly of the hub 100 onto the main shaft 82 and represents another variation of the general embodiment shown in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 4.6, here, the drum 11 is typically
Only the incorporation of No. 6 into the clutch pack 140 will be explained. Each of the inner annular plates 142 of the clutch pack 140 includes a plurality of spline teeth 174 arranged symmetrically around an inner circular edge 176 of the inner annular plate and extending radially inwardly therefrom. It stands out.

The spline tooth 114 thus has a circular edge 176 and a circle 17.
It will be located within a virtual annulus 178 with a radial depth equal to half the diameter difference of 7. In principle, the splined teeth 174 of the clutch plates 142 of the clutch pack are similar to the drum 116 since the inner annular plates 144 are each free to translate within the confines of the inner cylindrical wall 136 of the case and to rotate about their respective centers. are not axially or angularly aligned prior to assembly.

Continuing to refer to Figure 4.6, the drum 116 edge is formed by a stage ring 179, which is connected to the transmission axis 58.
It is in the form of an annular shoulder 180 lying in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the drum coincident with the axis of the drum. This shoulder is bounded by an outer diameter 181 that coincides with the outer cylindrical wall 138 and an inner diameter 182 that is approximately equal to the diameter of the imaginary circle 117 of the inner clutch plate 142. Thus, the stage ring 179 dimensionally matches the virtual ring ITBK. A plurality of spline grooves 184 in the outer cylindrical wall 138 of the drum 116 have a cross-sectional shape that matches the shape of the spline teeth 174 and intersect the stage annulus 179 at a plurality of notches 186. Notches 186 are angularly spaced around the stage annulus and coincide with spline grooves 174. Also formed on the drum 116 is an outer centering guide (concentric chamfer) 08γ, which has a frusto-conical shape bounded by an outer circular edge that coincides with the inner diameter 182 of the stage annulus and an inner circular edge 189. It has the shape of a shoulder 188. Inner circular edge 18
9 is smaller than the diameter of virtual circle 177.

The drum 116 is positioned above the clutch pack 140 in general alignment with the axis 5B and then lowered to initiate contact of the drum centering guide 187 with the uppermost inner clutch plate 142 of the clutch pack. Since the mass of the drum is significant relative to the uppermost clutch plate, the drum acts as a reaction member, translating the clutch plate 142 laterally relative to the drum to a staged position as it continues to descend. In this stage position, teeth 174 on the sprat abut stage annulus 179. Also, in the stage position, the drum 116 is rotated until the spline teeth 174 and notches 186 are aligned. At this time, the drum 116 is connected to the inner clutch plate 1420.
Descend towards another stage position for the next one.

When the drums 116 are provisioned and rotated against each inner clutch plate, the drums are fully seated on the clutch pack 140.

If desired, drum 116 may be lowered into clutch pack 140 by mechanical means. Such mechanical means include a robot that rotates the drum to each stage position while aligning and maintaining the drum with axis 58 to facilitate alignment of spline teeth 174 and notches 186. I can do it.

Referring to FIG. 4.7, drum 116 is shown here as a representative.
The method of assembling the sleeve shaft 78 into the sleeve shaft 78 will be explained in detail. The front end 79 of the sleeve shaft 78 connects the drum to the clutch pack 14.
covered by this drum when lowered into zero.

As a result, the assembly worker cannot see the sleeve axis. Spline groove 1 in the inner cylindrical wall 118 of the drum
20 corresponds to the spline teeth 174 of the clutch plate 142, except that the length of the groove 120 significantly exceeds the thickness of the clutch plate. However, the drum 116
It is similar to the clutch plate in that it is perpendicular to the transmission axis 58 and the sleeve axis and must provide concentricity of the inner cylindrical wall 118 of the hub and the outer cylindrical shaft 81 of the shaft.

Thus, an outer centering guide (concentric chamfer) 190 in the form of a frustoconical shoulder 191 is provided at the end 7 of the sleeve shaft.
9, which corresponds to the centering guide 187 on the drum 116. Similarly, a stage ring 192 is defined on the sleeve axis by a shoulder 193 lying in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the sleeve axis and axis 58, which corresponds to stage ring 179 on drum 116.

Spline groove 80 in the sleeve axis intersects stage annulus 192 at a plurality of notches 194 that correspond to notches 186 in drum 116 .

As the drum 116 lowers into the clutch pack 140 and encircles the sleeve axis T8, an outer centering guide 190 on the sleeve axis 78 engages the drum and acts as a reaction member to guide the drum to a stage position on the axis. At this stage position, the drum rides on the stage ring 192. When the drum 116 reaches a stage position on the sleeve axis 78 before the drum reaches a stage position on the inner clutch plate 142 of the clutch pack 140, the sleeve axis acts as a fixture, thereby causing the drum to be aligned with the axis 58. can be made consistent with In the stage position on the sleeve axis, the drum is rotated about axis 58;
The spline groove 120 and the notch 194 on the sleeve shaft are aligned. In doing so, the drum is advanced in the longitudinal direction relative to the sleeve axis, and finally the spline groove 120
completely overlaps the spline groove 80 as seen in FIG. For reference, the outer centering guide (concentric chamfer) 196 on the main shaft 82 and the stage ring 198 are similar to the centering guide 196 on the sleeve shaft 78 during assembly of the main shaft hub 100.
and operates in the same manner as described with respect to stage ring 192.

The assembly method according to the invention is particularly suitable for robotic assembly of clutches and clutch packs. For example, heretofore, it has not been possible to economically apply robots to incorporate pubs and drums (eg, drum 116) into clutch packs (eg, clutch pack 140). This is because the orientation of the inner clutch plate is disordered. That is, the robot can accurately align the drum 116 with the case axis 58 and advance it toward the clutch pack, rotating the drum to attempt to align the spline teeth and the spline grooves; Correcting the lack of concentricity between the inner circular edge of the clutch plate and the outer cylindrical wall of the drum is not easy. However, if you add a centering guide (concentric chamfer) and a stage ring to the drum, each inner clutch plate will automatically provision to the drum with the required concentricity and then rotate the drum. You can match the spline teeth and spline grooves by simply

Overall, therefore, an important feature of the present invention is to provide a multi-disc clutch assembly method that can be performed by a robot without mechanical vision. Traditionally, such robotic assembly begins by blindly inserting a splined hub or drum into a stack of clutch plates with splined bores that are neither axially nor angularly aligned. It was impossible because it had to be done. The robot can insert the hub or drum axially while rotating, but cannot move to find an axially misaligned clutch plate.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, for example, the above objectives are:
When the flat plate 10 is lowered over the cylindrical member 12, the frusto-conical centering guide 48 engages the inner edges of the splines 24,26, thereby causing the plate to align with the stage ring 3.
This is achieved by the automatic centering of the circular edge 18 with respect to the outer surface of the member 12 when the stage position on which the teeth 24,26 rest is reached. The plate and the cylindrical member are then rotated relative to each other so that the teeth align with the spline grooves 38, 40 of the cylindrical member, at which time the plate can be lowered along the cylindrical member.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary schematic perspective view showing a comprehensive embodiment of the assembly method according to the invention. FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1, but showing a variant of the general embodiment of the assembly method according to the invention. FIG. 3 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view of an automatic transmission for an automobile using the assembly method according to the invention. FIG. 4 is an enlarged and partially developed view of a part of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a part of FIG.
It is a view taken approximately along the plane indicated by line 5-5 in the figure. FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of FIG.
FIG. 6 is a view taken approximately along the plane indicated by line -6. FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view taken generally along the plane indicated by line 7--7 in FIG. Explanation of symbols of main parts> 10...first member, 12...second member, D,
...First diameter, 20...Circular edge, D2...Second diameter, 28...Virtual circle, 24.26...Spline tooth, 30...Virtual ring body, 32...・・Axis line,
34... Cylindrical wall, 36... Stage ring, 48... Centering guide shoulder, 42.44... Notch, 138... Inner and outer cylindrical walls, 142... - A plurality of second clutch plates, 176...circular edges. Procedural amendment (5,300 yen) 1986 4
March 9th, Mr. Michibe Uga, Commissioner of the Patent Office1, Indication of the case 1986 Patent Application No. 439002) Name of the invention Method of assembling a spline type joint 3, Person making the amendment Relationship with the case Patent applicant Name General Motors Corporation 4
Agent 6, subject of amendment (1) “Claims” in the specification! 7. Contents of the amendment As shown in the attached document (1) "Claims" will be corrected as shown in the attached document. 2) Claim 1: A method for assembling a spline joint between a first member (lO) and a second member (12), comprising:
0) forming a circular rim (20) having a first diameter (D1) thereon; from the circular edge (20) on the first member (10) to the second diameter (D).
at least two angularly spaced spline teeth (24, 26) projecting to concentric virtual circles (28) having
), and each of these spline teeth (24, 26) is connected to the first. a second member (12), aligned parallel to its axis (32) and arranged parallel to its axis (32); forming a cylindrical wall (34) having a diameter (D3) approximately equal to the diameter (D1) and relative to the axis (32) at the end of the cylindrical wall (34) on the second member (12); forming a stage ring (36) on a perpendicular plane, matching the dimensions of this stage ring with the virtual ring, and also matching the edge of the stage m resting plate 1 with the edge of the cylindrical wall (34); , a centering guide having one edge (50) on the second member (12) extending longitudinally outwardly from the plane of the stage ring (36) and coinciding with a second edge of the stage ring (36); forming a shoulder (4B) and forming at least two spline grooves (38, 40) in the cylindrical wall, angularly spaced such that the spline grooves coincide with the spline teeth (24, 26); Only the same number of notches (42, 44
) and the first member to a stage position on the second member (12) where the spline teeth (24, 26) abut the stage annulus (36). (10), and during this advancement the first,
One of the second members (10, 12) acts as a reaction member and the centering guide shoulder (48)
a circular edge (20) on said first member (10) and a second member (12) in said stage position.
) and rotating the first member (10) in the temporary position to align each spline tooth with a corresponding one of the notches (42, 44). , advancing the first member (10) along the axis (32) relative to the second member (12). 2) In the method according to claim 1, the first member (10'') is an annular flat plate, and the circular edge (
20') is the outer edge, said cylindrical wall (34') is the inner cylindrical wall of said second member (12''), and said centering guide shoulder (48') is the inner cutout. 3. A method according to claim 2, characterized in that the second member (12'') is a clutch housing, and the first member (10') is a clutch housing. is an outer annular clutch plate. 4. In the method according to claim 1. The first member (10) is an annular flat plate, the circular edge (20) thereof is an inner edge, and the cylindrical wall (34) is an outer cylindrical wall of the second member (12), A method characterized in that the centering guide shoulder (48) is an external frusto-conical shoulder. 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the second member (12) is a clutch hub, and the first member (12) is a clutch hub.
10) is an inner annular clutch plate. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the first and second walls define concentric inner and outer cylindrical walls (138) that are relatively rotatable about the clutch axis (58).
members (140, 116) and one of the inner and outer cylindrical walls (138), the axis (58)
a plurality of first annular clutch plates (144) disposed in a plane perpendicular to the first annular clutch plate; Assemble a clutch (92) of the type having a plurality of second annular clutch plates (142) arranged in a plane perpendicular to the axis (58) between each of these first clutch plates (144). In the method, inner and outer cylindrical walls (
To assemble one (116) of first and second members (140, 116) corresponding to the other of (138), each second clutch plate (142) is forming a plurality of angularly spaced spline teeth (174) about (176) such that the spline teeth are located within an imaginary annulus concentric with the circular edge (176); (116) forming a stage ring (179) at the end of the other cylindrical wall in a plane perpendicular thereto; aligning a first edge of the body with said other cylindrical wall; forming a centering guide shoulder (180) having one edge coincident with the second edge;
38) are formed with the same number of spline grooves (184) as the spline teeth (174), and the stage ring body (179) is formed at the same number of notches (186) spaced angularly so as to match the spline teeth (174). intersecting said one member (116) to the stage position where the stage ring (179) on the outermost clutch plate of the second clutch plate (142) abuts the spline tooth (174);
58), and during this advancement, the one member (116) becomes a reaction member and the centering guide shoulder (188) moves relative to the outermost second clutch plate (142). A translational movement is performed, and the circular edge (176
) and said other cylindrical wall (138) and rotating said one member in a stage position to align each notch (186) with a corresponding one of the spline teeth (174). step, and the one member (1
16) along the axis (58) to the second clutch plate (142).
) and rotating said one member (xis) in its respective stage position to form notches (186) and spline teeth (
174). 7. The method of claim 6, wherein said other cylindrical wall (138) is an outer cylindrical wall, and each second
The circular edge (176) on the clutch plate (144) is the inner circular edge, and the centering guide shoulder (188) is the first and second circular edge.
the one member (116) of the members (140, 116);
A method characterized by an upper lateral frustoconical shoulder. 8. The method according to claim 6, wherein the other cylindrical wall (136) is an inner cylindrical wall, and the circular edge (147) on each second clutch plate (144) is an outer circular edge. and the centering guide shoulder (158) is an inner frusto-conical shoulder on said one member (56) of the first and second members (140, 56). 9. A method according to claim 1, which comprises: assembling a clutch (92);
a first member (140) defining one (160) of inner and outer cylindrical walls (160° 136) aligned on its axis (58);
a plurality of first annular clutch plates (142) connected to (160) and located in a plane perpendicular to the axis (58);
and a plurality of second clutch plates located between each of the first clutch plates (142) in a plane perpendicular to the axis (58).
an annular clutch plate (144) and inner and outer cylindrical walls (
a second member (56) defining the other (136) of the inner and outer cylindrical walls (160, 136); 136
) are concentric and relatively rotatable about an axis (58), and each second clutch plate (144)
) and defining a plurality of angularly spaced spline teeth (148) projecting from and concentric with the circular edge (176) of the second member; (56) above said other cylindrical wall (13
6) At one end of the stage ring (
153), the stage ring having a first edge (154) matching the dimensions of the virtual ring and matching said other cylindrical wall (136); 2
An alignment guide shoulder (15) on member (56) extending longitudinally outwardly from the plane of stage ring (153).
8), and this guide shoulder defines a stage ring (1).
means having an edge (155) coinciding with a second edge of the second member (53) and a plurality of spline grooves (156) on the second member (56) in said other cylindrical wall (136); ) and the stage annulus (153) at an equal number of angularly spaced notches (157) such that these spline grooves coincide with the spline teeth (148).
and means intersecting with the method. 10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the other cylindrical wall (138) is an outer cylindrical wall, and the circular edge (17B) on each second clutch plate (144) is an inner cylindrical wall. A method characterized in that it has a circular edge and that the centering guide shoulder (188) is an outer frusto-conical shoulder of the second member (11B). 11. The method according to claim 9, wherein the other cylindrical wall (136) is an inner cylindrical wall and the circular edge (147) on each second clutch plate (144) is an outer circular edge. and the centering guide shoulder (158) is an inner frusto-conical shoulder on the second member (56). In a 12° clutch (92), inner and outer cylindrical walls (160, 136) aligned on its axis (58)
) defining one (160) of the first member (140).
) and connected to the one cylindrical wall (160),
a plurality of first annular clutch plates (142) located in a plane perpendicular to the axis (58) and located between each of the first clutch plates (142) in a plane perpendicular to the axis (58); a plurality of second annular clutch plates (144)
a second member (56) defining the other (136) of the inner and outer cylindrical walls (160, 136);
The second member (56) is supported with respect to the member (140) so that the inner and outer cylindrical walls (160, 136) are concentric and aligned with the axis (
58) means operable to rotate relative to each other, on each second clutch plate (144), projecting from the circular edge (17B) thereof and located within an imaginary annulus concentric with said circular edge; Multiple angularly spaced spline teeth (
means defining a stage ring (153) on the second member (56) at one end of said other cylindrical wall (136) and in a plane perpendicular thereto; means for the stage ring to have a first edge (154) matching the dimensions of the virtual ring and matching said other cylindrical wall (136); and defines an alignment guide shoulder (15g) extending longitudinally outward from the plane of the stage ring (153), the guide shoulder being in contact with the second edge of the stage ring (153). means having one matching edge (155);
on the member (56) said other cylindrical wall (136);
) defining a plurality of spline grooves (158) that intersect the stage annulus (153) at an equal number of angularly spaced notches (157) to coincide with the spline teeth (148). A clutch characterized in that it includes means for doing so. 13. The clutch according to claim 12, wherein the other cylindrical wall (138) is an outer cylindrical wall, and the circular edge (176) on each second clutch plate (144) is an inner circular edge. Clutch, characterized in that the centering guide shoulder (188) is an outer frusto-conical shoulder of the second member (116). 14. The clutch according to claim 12, wherein the other cylindrical wall (138) is an inner cylindrical wall, and the circular edge (147) on each second clutch plate (144) is an outer circular edge. Clutch, characterized in that the centering guide shoulder (158) is an inner frusto-conical shoulder on the second member (56).

Claims (1)

Claims: (1) A method of assembling a spline joint between a first member (10) and a second member (12), the method comprising: ) forming a circular edge (20) having a first member (10
) forming at least two angularly spaced spline teeth (24, 26) projecting from a circular edge (20) to a concentric virtual circle (28) having a second diameter (D_2); (24, 26) are positioned within the virtual annulus (30) between the first and second diameters (D_1, D_2); (
forming a cylindrical wall (34) aligned parallel to the second member (12) and having a diameter (D_3) substantially equal to the first diameter (D_1); A stage ring (36) is formed in a plane perpendicular to the axis (32) at the end of the stage ring, the dimensions of this stage ring are made to correspond to the virtual ring, and the first edge of this stage ring is formed into a cylindrical shape. matching the edge of the wall (34) and the second member (12);
extending longitudinally outward from the plane of the stage ring 36;
One edge (5) coincident with the second edge of the stage ring (36)
0) and forming at least two spline grooves (38, 40) in the cylindrical wall, which spline grooves are in contact with spline teeth (24, 26). intersecting the stage annulus (36) at the same number of angularly spaced notches (42, 44) to coincide with the stage annulus (36); The first member (10) up to the stage position on the second member (12) that abuts.
is advanced, and during this advancement, the first and second members (10, 1
2) one of the members acts as a reaction member, causing the centering guide shoulder (48) to undergo a relative translational movement between the first and second members (10, 12) in a direction perpendicular to the axis; The circular edge (20) on the first member (10) and the second member (
12) establishing concentricity with the upper cylindrical wall (34) and rotating the first member (10) in the temporary position to align each spline tooth with a corresponding one of the notches (42, 44); and advancing the first member (10) along the axis (32) relative to the second member (12). (2) In the method according to claim 1, the first member (10') is an annular flat plate, the circular edge (20') thereof is the outer edge, and the cylindrical wall (34 ′) is an inner cylindrical wall of said second member (12′), and said centering guide shoulder (48′) is an inner frusto-conical shoulder. (3) A method according to claim 2, characterized in that the second member (12') is a clutch housing and the first member (10') is an outer annular clutch plate. . (4) In the method according to claim 1, the first member (10) is an annular flat plate, and the circular edge (
20) is an inner edge, said cylindrical wall (34) is an outer cylindrical wall of said second member (12), and said centering guide shoulder (48) is an outer frusto-conical shoulder. A method of characterizing something. 5. A method according to claim 4, characterized in that the second member (12) is a clutch hub and the first member (10) is an inner annular clutch plate. (6) The method of claim 1, wherein the first and second walls define concentric inner and outer cylindrical walls (138) that are relatively rotatable about the clutch axis (58). 2 members (140, 1
16) and a plurality of first annular clutch plates (144) connected to one of the inner and outer cylindrical walls (138) and arranged in a plane perpendicular to the axis (58). , a plurality of second annular clutch plates (142) arranged in a plane perpendicular to the axis (58) between each of these first clutch plates (144). In the assembling method, a second clutch plate is used to assemble one (116) of the first and second members (140, 116) corresponding to the other of the inner and outer cylindrical walls (138). (142) are each formed with a plurality of angularly spaced spline teeth (174) about a circular edge (176) thereof, the spline teeth being located within an imaginary annulus concentric with the circular edge (176). forming a stage ring (179) on said one member (116) at an end of said other cylindrical wall in a plane perpendicular thereto; the dimensions of said stage ring; a virtual ring and a first edge of the stage ring coincides with the other cylindrical wall; a centering guide shoulder (18
0) and said other cylindrical wall (138).
have the same number of spline grooves (18) as spline teeth (174).
4) and intersect the stage ring (179) at the same number of angularly spaced notches (186) to coincide with the spline teeth (174); The stage ring (179) on the outermost clutch plate of the two clutch plates (142) is advanced along the axis (58) to a stage position where it abuts the spline teeth (174), and during this advancement, the The member (116) serves as a reaction member, and the centering guide shoulder (188) is attached to the outermost second clutch plate (
142) to establish concentricity between the circular edge (176) and the other cylindrical wall (138) in a stage position; and rotating said one member in a stage position. aligning each notch (186) with a corresponding one of the spline teeth (174); and positioning said one member (116) along the axis (58) for each of the second clutch plates (142). and rotating said one member (116) at each stage position to bring the notch (186) into alignment with the spline tooth (174). (7) The method according to claim 6, wherein the other cylindrical wall (138) is an outer cylindrical wall, and the circular edge (176) on each second clutch plate (144) is an inner circular cylindrical wall. The centering guide shoulder (188) is the edge of the one member (116) of the first and second members (140, 116).
) on the lateral frustoconical shoulder. (8) In the method according to claim 6, the other cylindrical wall (136) is an inner cylindrical wall, and the circular edge (147) on each second clutch plate (144) is an outer circular edge. and the centering guide shoulder (158) is an inner frusto-conical shoulder on said one of the first and second members (140, 56). . (9) A method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the clutch (92) has inner and outer cylindrical walls (160) aligned on its axis (58). , 136) on the other hand (160)
a plurality of first annular clutch plates (142) connected to said one cylindrical wall (160) and located in a plane perpendicular to the axis (58); ), a plurality of second annular clutch plates (144) located between each of the first clutch plates (142) in a plane perpendicular to the axis (58), and inner and outer cylindrical walls (160,
136) defining the other (136) of the second member (
56) and a second member (56) with respect to the first member (140).
) for supporting the inner and outer cylindrical walls (160, 136) so that the inner and outer cylindrical walls (160, 136) are concentric and operative to rotate relative to each other about an axis (58); means defining a plurality of angularly spaced spline teeth (148) projecting from a circular edge (176) thereof and located within an imaginary annulus concentric with the circular edge; a stage ring (153) is defined at one end of said other cylindrical wall (136) in a plane perpendicular thereto, said stage ring matching the dimensions of said virtual ring; means having a first edge (154) coinciding with the cylindrical wall (136) of the stage ring (153); and means on a second member (56) extending longitudinally outwardly from the plane of the stage ring (153). means defining a centering guide shoulder (158), the guide shoulder having one edge (155) coinciding with a second edge of the stage ring (153); on member (56) defining a plurality of spline grooves (156) in said other cylindrical wall (136), angularly spaced such that the spline grooves coincide with spline teeth (148); At only the same number of notches (157) the stage ring (1
53). (10) The method according to claim 9, wherein the other cylindrical wall (138) is an outer cylindrical wall, and the circular edge (1
76) is the inner circular edge, and the centering guide shoulder (18
8) is an outer frustoconical shoulder of the second member (116). (11) The method according to claim 9, wherein the other cylindrical wall (136) is an inner cylindrical wall, and the circular edge (1
47) is the outer circular edge, and the centering guide shoulder (15
8) is an internal frustoconical shoulder on the second member (56).